Crop Science Dr. Mike Graham Named Head of R&D for Bayer’s Crop Science Division
Bayer has officially announced that Dr. Mike Graham will assume the role of Head of Research & Development (R&D) for Bayer’s Crop Science division, effective April 15, 2025. In addition to leading the division’s R&D efforts, Dr. Graham will also serve as a member of Bayer’s Leadership Team. He is set to succeed Dr. Robert Reiter, who has made the decision to retire after an illustrious 27-year career with the company and a total of 34 years in the agricultural industry.
Dr. Mike Graham, who is currently leading Bayer’s Plant Breeding organization, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in agricultural research and development. Crop Science Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s seed and trait research, making significant contributions to the development of innovative agricultural solutions. His transition into this leadership role underscores Bayer’s commitment to fostering internal talent and continuing its legacy of groundbreaking agricultural innovation.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Reiter has had a profound impact on Bayer Crop Science and the broader agricultural industry since joining the company in 1998. One of his key contributions was revolutionizing plant breeding through the implementation of genotypic selection. Under his guidance, Bayer developed an industry-leading genotyping platform, setting new standards in precision breeding. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Reiter held various senior roles within Bayer’s R&D division, consistently driving innovation and strengthening Bayer’s position as a global leader in seed and trait capabilities.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Reiter played a critical role in shaping Bayer’s Crop Science global supply chain strategy before being appointed as the Head of R&D for the Crop Science division in 2018. Under his leadership, Bayer successfully launched and advanced several high-impact agricultural products. Notably, he spearheaded the development of Icafolin, a new-generation herbicide that is poised to become a blockbuster product due to its effectiveness in combating resistant weeds. Another major achievement under his leadership was the Preceon Smart Corn System, a revolutionary approach to corn production that optimizes planting density and improves resource efficiency. These advancements have positioned Bayer at the forefront of agricultural innovation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting farmers worldwide.
Rodrigo Santos, Member of the Board of Bayer AG and President of Bayer’s Crop Science division, expressed his deep appreciation for Dr. Reiter’s contributions to the company. “Throughout his career, Bob has been a tireless advocate for agricultural innovation. His leadership has not only driven scientific advancements but has also empowered farmers to produce more while conserving natural resources. His commitment to the industry and Bayer’s mission has been truly remarkable. I want to personally thank Bob for his years of dedication and service. He has left an indelible mark on Bayer and will be greatly missed by the entire Crop Science team.”
In an effort to ensure a seamless leadership transition, Dr. Reiter will actively support Dr. Graham as he steps into his new role. This structured handover will allow for the continuity of ongoing research projects and ensure that the division remains on course with its strategic objectives.
Dr. Mike Graham’s journey at Bayer began in 1996 when he joined the company as a plant breeder. Over the years, he has steadily progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility, contributing significantly to the company’s research pipeline. His expertise lies in designing and developing next-generation seeds and traits, as well as creating customer-centric solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern agriculture. Most recently, he has been leading Bayer’s global Plant Breeding organization, where he has been instrumental in pioneering new breeding methodologies and integrating digital technologies into research practices. Under his leadership, Bayer’s breeding pipeline has reached new heights, leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance genetic selection and accelerate product development.
Dr. Graham will be based at Bayer’s research facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The company has stated that a successor for his current role as Plant Breeding Lead will be announced at a later date.
Rodrigo Santos expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Graham’s appointment, highlighting his strong track record and innovative mindset. “I am truly excited to have Mike take on the role of Head of R&D. He brings with him an exceptional depth of knowledge, extensive experience in agricultural research, and a profound understanding of what farmers need to succeed. His leadership has consistently demonstrated a visionary approach to delivering impactful innovations, and I have no doubt that he will continue to drive Bayer’s success in the years ahead.”
Bayer’s Crop Science division remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and productivity. With Dr. Graham’s expertise in plant breeding and digital agriculture, the company is well-positioned to build upon the foundation laid by Dr. Reiter. The transition in leadership comes at a crucial time, as Bayer continues to advance its ambitious R&D initiatives aimed at addressing global food security challenges, enhancing crop resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
As Bayer looks ahead, the company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower farmers and promote environmental stewardship. With Dr. Mike Graham at the helm of R&D, the division is poised to drive the next wave of agricultural breakthroughs, ensuring that farmers around the world have access to the best possible tools and technologies to meet the challenges of the future.
Dr. Reiter’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy of innovation and excellence will continue to inspire the next generation of agricultural scientists and researchers at Bayer. Meanwhile, Dr. Graham’s leadership promises a new chapter of growth and progress, reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to innovation-driven agriculture. As the company transitions into this new phase, the industry will be watching closely to see how Bayer continues to shape the future of global food production.
